Voters in Belleville and Havana voted for one-cent sales tax proposals during Tuesday's special election. As a result, every community in Yell County will soon have a sales tax.

The sales tax initiative won approval in Belleville by a 21-6 margin, while 31 Havana residents voted for a one-cent sales tax against 11 opposed. Mayors of both communities supported sales taxes in their incorporated cities. Kenny Loyd of Belleville and Rick Bryant of Havana previously stated the sales tax was needed for several reasons, particularly because of recent cutbacks to the city's budgets due to reduced state turnback funds. They added that with the development of Mt. Magazine State Park, they feel tourism will increase and a one-cent sales tax would produce additional revenue for the communities.

Both mayors said the sales tax could mean an additional $10,000 to $25,000 in revenue each year. Bryant stated that Havana needs the revenue for a newer fire truck and improvements at the city park. Loyd said additional revenue would help Belleville's capital improvements on Main Street, including curbs and gutters, sidewalks and street lamps, and a new water tank after just completing a new sewer project.

Heath Tate defeated Mike Gault 56-30 for the position of Prairie constable. They received more votes than incumbent Byron Rooke in last month's Democratic primary. Gault will become constable for the Prairie township on Jan. 1, 2005.